Les Nenettes – French Brunch in Hackney

Brunching French style at Les Nénettes brings a whole new level of flavour and glam to what has established itself as the most exciting meal of the day. Snuggly nestled on the corner of Clapton Square, this all-female team (Les Nénettes meaning The Girls) bring flavour, service and style like only the French know how in a bright and airy al fresco setting. Shades on and Déjeuner ordered, any signs of a bank holiday weekend hangover were soon abated as we were transported to a little piece of Southern France a la Hackney to soak up the rays, good coffee and all that is savoury and sweet from head chef Emilie Fuller.

Croque Madame stood out as a menu headliner and did not disappoint with its layers of molten cheese gripping the toasted white bloomer, topped with a fried egg – savoury heaven. Add to this the Eggs Benedict with Salmon and a perfectly refined hollandaise sauce and the bun fight commenced!

Taking a break from the sun, we could only admire the smartly dressed interior, drenched in natural light courtesy of large floor to ceiling windows across the restaurants circumference. This gives Les Nénettes its light and airy feel and welcomes in the lush greens of Clapton Square to this contemporary space.

Service is ‘top-notch’ at Les Nénettes and it was a pleasure to take time to speak with owner Eve Ricard (previously of Club Gascon, The Forge and most recently Market Café) and gain insights into her concept for Les Nénettes as being a spot to share the flavours of her childhood with the local east London neighbourhood.

As if this visit was not sweet enough a homemade dessert of crème caramel with fresh lavender rounded off a perfectly balanced meal, and one that we will definitely return to enjoy again. Obviously popular with the locals, this laid back spot has strong appeal across brunch, lunch and dinner services, and has an exclusive French drinks list to explore as days get longer and warmer into summer 2018.